The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Suddenly it seems as if all of Chicago wants a shot at Jack Daniels (Dirty Martini, 2007, etc.).

In the beginning were the three murderous members of The Urban Hunting Club: Swanson, Munchel and Pessolano. Conceived by Swanson in righteous anger, TUHC has taken it upon itself to kill perverts. Rob Siders, who attacked Swanson’s beloved wife Jen, has been treated by the authorities with what Swanson finds unforgivable restraint. Munchel and Pessolano, bored and biddable, are quickly recruited for the pervert hunt. Though certifiably dim-witted, all three are heavily armed with high-powered rifles with telescopic sights. Taking out Siders proves so easy that the boys get carried away. Before the smoke clears, ten cops are dead and Lt. Jack (for Jacqueline) Daniels has come under extremely unfriendly fire. The plot thickens when Jack gets what she at first construes as good news. Alex Kork, the wickedest female since Snow White’s stepmother, has supposedly committed suicide in prison. The bad news is that she hasn’t; she’s committed murder and escaped. Soon Jack, her mother, her boyfriend Latham, plus a couple of more or less innocent bystanders—one of whom turns out to be, remarkably enough, Jack’s long-lost half brother—are targeted by Kork, who’s intent on slow, sadistic bodily harm. The return of the three homicidal stooges promises much sound and fury, signifying mostly a failure of imagination.

Be the first to discover new talent!
Each week, our editors select the one author and one book they believe to be most worthy of your attention and highlight them in our Pro Connect email alert.
Sign up here to receive your FREE alerts.